Topic: Suicide
Target Population: Adults
Sector: Community-Based, School-Based, Work Site
Military Sector: Veterans Affairs
This program is for adults who are in positions to recognize and refer someone who may be at risk for suicide.
The Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Training for Suicide Prevention (QPR Gatekeeper Training) program is designed to teach adults how to identify individuals who are or may be at risk for suicide and take action to prevent any destructive behavior.
A randomized controlled trial of 32 schools found that compared to wait-list control groups, participants trained in QPR Gatekeeper Training demonstrated an increased knowledge of suicide issues, an increase in abilities to ask suitable questions about suicide, better awareness of school policies regarding suicidal students, and an increase in abilities to use referral resources for suicidal students. Program effects were maintained 1 year after treatment. A number of single-group studies with pretest and posttest measures or short-term follow-ups have demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, self-efficacy and intention to intervene, and likelihood of intervening. One pretest/posttest study with no control group was conducted in a group of clinical and non-clinical staff working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, and results demonstrated significant increases in knowledge and self-efficacy. In addition, results from one study indicated the need for a culturally inclusive adaptation of the program and for the addition of booster sessions to maintain improvements at posttest.
QPR Gatekeeper Training is available online or through live training sessions and is hosted by Certified QPR Gatekeeper Instructors. The program intends to teach participants how to intervene in order to prevent another person's suicide. The target skills taught to participants follow the acronym QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer).
Additionally, there are specialized courses for different professionals including clergy, law enforcement, first responders, healthcare workers, and veteran-care providers. Additional courses that provide opportunities for extended learning are also available. Please visit https://qprinstitute.com/professional-training for more information.
Over five million people around the world have been trained in QPR Gatekeeper Training.
Program facilitators, who must be 18 years old or older, do not need any special educational background or experience, but they must become certified. Certification training is available in several formats, including a self-paced course that can be completed at home, a workshop setting with local peers, or a virtual course. A 3-year certification costs $595. Please visit https://qprinstitute.com/become-an-instructor for more information.
Considerations for implementing this program include recruiting instructors and making arrangements for them to complete training, acquiring participant buy-in, locating space if implementing the program in person, and ensuring participants have access to a computer with internet capabilities if they are completing the online version of the program.
The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
If you are interested in implementing QPR Gatekeeper Training, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Online and in-person classes last approximately 1 hour. Facilitator planning and preparation will vary and could be extensive.
Implementation costs will vary depending on the format of delivery and the audience. Please use details in the Contact section to learn more. Additional cost information may be found at https://qprinstitute.com/store
To move the QPR Gatekeeper Training program to the Effective category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence at least one external evaluation must be conducted that demonstrates sustained, positive outcomes. This study must be conducted independently of the program developer.
The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu
Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185 Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu
You may also contact QPR by phone 1-888-726-7926 or visit https://qprinstitute.com/
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